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The Wizard Of Oz Cast: 7 Tragic Secrets And What Happened To The Stars 85 Years Later

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Few films in history capture the imagination quite like the 1939 masterpiece, The Wizard of Oz. Its vibrant Technicolor, unforgettable songs, and timeless story of a girl named Dorothy Gale searching for home have cemented its status as a cultural icon. Yet, behind the curtain of this beloved family classic lies a history filled with intense pressure, tragic personal struggles, and dangerous on-set conditions that profoundly impacted the lives of its main cast members.

As of late 2025, the film continues to be celebrated, with recent 85th-anniversary screenings bringing the magic back to the big screen, offering a fresh look at the triumphs and tribulations of the actors who became cinematic legends. This article delves into the biographies of the main cast and uncovers the shocking secrets they carried long after they clicked their heels and left the Land of Oz.

The Main Cast of The Wizard of Oz: Full Biography and Roles

The core ensemble of The Wizard of Oz was a collection of seasoned vaudevillians, Broadway stars, and rising Hollywood talent. Their performances as Dorothy and her companions on the Yellow Brick Road are legendary. Here is a look at the principal cast members who brought the characters to life, along with their key biographical details:

  • Judy Garland (Dorothy Gale):
    • Born: Frances Ethel Gumm, June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
    • Died: June 22, 1969 (Age 47), in London, England.
    • Career Highlights: One of the greatest stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, known for her powerful voice. Key films include Meet Me in St. Louis and A Star Is Born.
  • Ray Bolger (The Scarecrow / Hunk):
    • Born: Raymond Wallace Bolger, January 10, 1904, in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
    • Died: January 15, 1987 (Age 83), in Los Angeles, California.
    • Career Highlights: A celebrated dancer and vaudevillian whose flexible body was perfect for the Scarecrow role. He starred in Broadway shows and films, including Where's Charley?
  • Jack Haley (The Tin Man / Hickory):
    • Born: John Joseph Haley Jr., August 10, 1897, in Boston, Massachusetts.
    • Died: June 6, 1979 (Age 81), in Los Angeles, California.
    • Career Highlights: An American actor, comedian, and singer, known for his work in vaudeville and radio. His son, Jack Haley Jr., became a director and producer.
  • Bert Lahr (The Cowardly Lion / Zeke):
    • Born: Irving Lahrheim, August 13, 1895, in New York City.
    • Died: December 4, 1967 (Age 72), in New York City.
    • Career Highlights: A renowned stage and screen actor celebrated for his bombastic vaudeville style. He was a major star on Broadway before Hollywood.
  • Margaret Hamilton (The Wicked Witch of the West / Miss Gulch):
    • Born: Margaret Brainard Hamilton, December 9, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio.
    • Died: May 16, 1985 (Age 82), in Salisbury, Connecticut.
    • Career Highlights: A former schoolteacher and vaudevillian who had a fifty-year career in entertainment. Her portrayal of the Wicked Witch remains one of cinema's most iconic villains.
  • Frank Morgan (The Wizard of Oz / Professor Marvel, and three other roles):
    • Born: Francis Phillip Wuppermann, June 1, 1890, in New York City.
    • Died: September 18, 1949 (Age 59), in Beverly Hills, California.
    • Career Highlights: A versatile character actor who was nominated for two Academy Awards. He played five different roles in The Wizard of Oz.
  • Billie Burke (Glinda, the Good Witch of the North):
    • Born: Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke, August 7, 1884, in Washington, D.C.
    • Died: May 14, 1970 (Age 85), in Los Angeles, California.
    • Career Highlights: Famous on Broadway and in silent films, she was best known for her light comedy roles, including the Topper series, before becoming Glinda.

The Tragic and Shocking Secrets Behind the Emerald City

The film’s production was notoriously difficult, marked by demanding schedules, multiple directors (though Victor Fleming received the final credit), and hazardous special effects. The following behind-the-scenes secrets reveal the high price the cast paid for cinematic immortality:

1. The Tin Man’s Original Actor Suffered a Near-Fatal Reaction

The role of the Tin Man was originally cast with actor Buddy Ebsen, a talented dancer. However, the makeup designed for his character was not the silvery oil-based paint seen in the final film, but a fine aluminum dust applied directly to his skin. After nine days of filming, Ebsen was rushed to the hospital with a severe allergic reaction. The aluminum dust coated his lungs, causing him to develop major lung problems and difficulty breathing, forcing him to quit the production. Jack Haley was quickly cast as his replacement, and the makeup was changed to a safer (but still uncomfortable) aluminum paste.

2. Margaret Hamilton Was Severely Burned on Set

Margaret Hamilton, the actress who played the Wicked Witch of the West, was a former schoolteacher and a kind-hearted woman in real life. Her most famous scene, the Wicked Witch’s disappearance in a puff of smoke, resulted in a serious injury. During a take, the trap door mechanism that was supposed to drop her out of sight failed to open fast enough. The pyrotechnic flash-pot effect detonated while she was still there, causing severe second and third-degree burns to her hands and face. She spent six weeks recovering before returning to the set, and refused to film any further scenes involving fire.

3. Judy Garland’s Tragic Addiction Began on Set

Judy Garland was only 16 years old when she played Dorothy. Her life and career were tragically marked by studio control and substance abuse. To maintain her energy for grueling 72-hour work weeks and manage her weight, MGM executives allegedly provided her with "pep pills" (amphetamines) and sleeping pills (barbiturates). This studio-sanctioned drug regimen fostered an addiction that plagued her for the rest of her life. She died in 1969 at the age of 47 from an accidental overdose of barbiturates, a tragic end for one of Hollywood's brightest stars.

The Legacy Continues: 85th Anniversary and Current News

Despite the dark history of its production, The Wizard of Oz remains a cultural touchstone. The film celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2024, a testament to its enduring popularity and the powerful performances of its cast. This milestone was marked by several new and current events:

  • Theatrical Re-Release: Fathom Events partnered with Warner Bros. to bring the film back to theaters nationwide throughout 2024 as part of their Big Screen Classics series. This allowed new generations to experience the stunning Technicolor and Harold Arlen’s iconic score on the big screen.
  • 4K UHD Release: An 85th-anniversary steel-case 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray set was released in November 2024, offering the highest quality viewing experience of the film to date.
  • The Last Surviving Cast Members: While all the main principal actors have passed away, a few minor cast members, primarily Munchkin extras and stand-ins, lived into their 90s and beyond, offering a direct link to the film's production. For instance, Caren Marsh Doll, Judy Garland's stand-in, was over 100 years old in 2024.
  • The Ruby Slippers: The famous sequined Ruby Slippers, which Dorothy uses to return home, remain a powerful symbol. One of the four surviving pairs is a star attraction at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

The story of The Wizard of Oz cast is a complex one, blending cinematic magic with personal hardship. The film’s success was built on the incredible talent and, in some cases, the great personal sacrifice of its actors. As we celebrate the film's 85th anniversary and re-watch Dorothy’s journey, it is important to remember the real-life stories behind the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the young star who wished she was "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

the wizard of oz cast
the wizard of oz cast

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